Consider this your early projection in the race for China’s presidency, except there are no projections, just cold hard facts, delivered by Xinhua. Xi Jinping will be the next leader of China, as announced at this evening’s preparatory meeting and press conference.

On behalf of Beijing Cream, we’d like to congratulate Mr. Xi on his promotion. We’re going to have a fun time.

Tomorrow, if you’re not doing anything, swing by Twitter as we engage in a bit of live-tweeting with China Daily Show of the 18th National Congress, hashtag #18PC. It’ll be a rollicking time.